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AOL Expanding Broadband Network Coast-To-Coast with Service from Leading Providers


WEBWIRE


January 27, 2006, DULLES, VA – AOL today announced that it will soon expand its broadband network coast-to-coast in partnership with leading providers including BellSouth, Time Warner Cable and Verizon, as well as other major DSL suppliers. Consumers in these markets, which reach a majority of AOL members, will be able to access the AOL service with a reliable high-speed connection for as low as $25.90. In BellSouth’s territory, AOL High Speed will be offered at $29.90.

AOL will engage in aggressive marketing for the new AOL® High Speed offering, which will let AOL members access the service’s leading security features and exclusive content on a true high-speed DSL Internet or cable connection at a competitive price. Beginning on January 30, 2006, consumers will be able to click or call to sign-up for AOL High Speed and order a DSL or cable modem, making it simple and convenient to upgrade.

“With the new AOL broadband network, we’re leveraging the strength of our service and our customer relationships to make the most of the shifting broadband marketplace,” said Jonathan F. Miller, Chairman & CEO of America Online, Inc. “We are taking advantage of the improving economics of broadband access to create an offering that combines the AOL service with the speed of broadband at a competitive price. In so doing, we’re building a better experience for our members, bringing new subscribers to our network partners, and enhancing the lifetime member value of our customer relationships.”

Glenn A. Britt, President and CEO of Time Warner Cable, said: “For AOL members who haven’t upgraded to broadband yet, now is the time. By getting your AOL with Time Warner Cable’s high-speed online service, you get a better, faster connection without giving up your AOL service.”

Bob Ingalls, President of Verizon’s Retail Markets Group, said, “We believe the strength of Verizon’s award-winning high-speed Internet service, along with AOL’s exclusive programming and services, bring a uniquely feature-rich broadband service to the market. Our ongoing relationship with AOL is another way we are bringing consumers more broadband choices.”

David Scobey, President of BellSouth’s Retail Markets, said, “This new relationship will make it easier for loyal AOL consumers to get all the benefits of BellSouth DSL without losing their AOL service. We think this promotion offers a compelling reason for AOL members to move to broadband.”

Promotional Campaign Will Drive AOL Member Upgrades

AOL will introduce a nationwide advertising campaign to build excitement among AOL members and others who want to upgrade from dial-up to AOL High Speed to receive the benefits of a high-speed connection plus the AOL service.

“We’re starting to let AOL members know about this opportunity now to strongly encourage them to improve their online experience with a better, faster Internet connection,” said Joe Redling, President of AOL’s Access business. “AOL is committed to offering our members the best high-speed experience – not just faster dial-up but true broadband from a cable or DSL connection. We’ve seen in recent market tests that our members respond very strongly to the ability to more simply combine what they have from AOL with what they want from a broadband connection, and now we’re going to deliver it from coast to coast.”

To create and implement the campaign, AOL is working with BBDO New York for national television, radio and print advertising. Initiative will manage media planning and buying. The campaign -- “AOL High Speed” -- features regular people effortlessly keeping up with elite athletes who are competing in skiing, cycling, swimming and other sports. Designed to appeal to AOL members and those considering upgrading to a high-speed connection, the ads highlight the campaign’s premise that everyone wants to be fast and can be with AOL High Speed.

To find out more or to pre-order AOL High Speed visit: http://www.aol.com/highspeed or AOL Keyword: High Speed.

Key features of the service include:

* Fast & Easy Setup: Makes getting up and running quick and easy.
* Customer Service: Help that’s available 24/7, including help via phone, e-mail or instant message.
* Safety: A comprehensive set of safety and security tools available to keep users safer against viruses, spyware, identify theft, and other online threats for no additional charge.
* Content: AOL exclusive and original programming that’s more enjoyable than ever – including commercial free radio, streaming video, and more.
* Storage: Additional benefits like unlimited email and picture storage.

About America Online, Inc.
America Online, Inc. and its subsidiaries operate a leading network of Web brands and the largest Internet access subscription service in the United States. Brands include the AOL(r) service, the AOL.com(r) website, and the AIM(r), MapQuest(r), Moviefone(r), Netscape(r), CompuServe(r) and ICQ(r) services. America Online offers a range of digital services including the TotalTalk(r) voice service. The company also has operations in Canada and Europe. America Online, Inc. is based in Dulles, Virginia, and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Time Warner Inc.



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